From backyard barbecues to cozy kitchen nights, the Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with Smoky Onion Jam is the stuff of craveable, comfort-food dreams. This juicy, flavor-packed burger brings together bold, smoky, and irresistibly melty elements for an epic, chef-crafted masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with Smoky Onion Jam
Indulge in the perfect harmony of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with this epic burger creation. Crispy, golden-brown bacon and a generous layer of melty, gooey cheese mingle with a zesty, lush smoky onion jam for a truly craveable and satisfying bite. The cozy, comfort-food feel is balanced by bright, fresh toppings and a juicy, flavor-packed patty that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This ultimate cheeseburger calls for a delicious blend of high-quality ingredients, including ground beef, thick-cut bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a homemade smoky onion jam that adds a velvety, lush touch. Complemented by crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a soft, toasted bun, every element works in perfect harmony.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices – Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium – Sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Pepper jack or Swiss cheese (for a spicier or nuttier flavor)
- Jam: Tangy barbecue sauce or caramelized onions (for a different sweet-savory balance)
How to Make Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with Smoky Onion Jam
Begin by preparing the smoky onion jam. Sauté sliced onions until caramelized, then stir in a blend of spices, vinegar, and brown sugar for a rich, luscious topping. While the jam simmers, form the ground beef into perfectly portioned patties, season, and set aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the smoky onion jam. Sauté sliced onions until caramelized, then stir in a blend of spices, vinegar, and brown sugar for a rich, luscious topping. While the jam simmers, form the ground beef into perfectly portioned patties, season, and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up the grill or heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside, reserving the rendered fat. Grill or sear the seasoned beef patties until cooked to your desired doneness, then top with slices of melty cheddar cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Toast the buns until golden-brown, then layer the cheeseburger patties, crispy bacon, and a generous spoonful of the smoky onion jam. Top with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and any other desired condiments for the ultimate flavor experience.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Add a fried egg or creamy avocado for an extra-luxurious touch.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a spicier or nuttier flavor profile.
- Jam Alternative: Swap the smoky onion jam for a tangy barbecue sauce or caramelized onions.
- Preserve Jam: Save any extra smoky onion jam for future use – it’s a versatile topping that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp, fresh-cut fries or a simple side salad.
Storage: Leftover components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the burger patties and buns before assembling.
Make-Ahead: The smoky onion jam can be prepared up to 4 days in advance, making it easy to quickly assemble the burgers when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This ultimate cheeseburger is a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers a balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Each serving provides a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients to fuel your day.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 39 g
- Sodium: 1,220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to cook the burger patties?
For the juiciest, most flavorful results, I recommend grilling or searing the burger patties over medium-high heat. This helps create a delicious, golden-brown crust while keeping the interior perfectly cooked to your liking.
Can I make the smoky onion jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! The smoky onion jam can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to quickly assemble the burgers when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for this cheeseburger?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other melty varieties like pepper jack or Swiss. The key is to look for a cheese that will melt beautifully over the hot burger patty.
Can I use a different type of bun?
While a soft, toasted brioche or potato bun is the traditional choice, you can certainly use any type of burger bun you prefer. Just keep in mind that the bun should be sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy, flavorful toppings.
How do I make the burgers ahead of time?
For best results, I recommend assembling and cooking the burgers right before serving. However, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill or sear. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking for the juiciest, most evenly cooked results.
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- smoky maple bbq bacon ribs with tangy glaze
Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger with Smoky Onion Jam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger topped with smoky onion jam. This burger combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, and a deliciously sweet and smoky onion jam for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
– 4 slices of bacon
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 cup smoky onion jam
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. Shape the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
4. 4. Grill the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
5. 5. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
6. 6. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1 minute.
7. 7. Assemble the burgers by placing the patty on the bottom bun, followed by bacon, smoky onion jam, lettuce, and tomato. Top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
– For extra flavor, add BBQ sauce on top of the onion jam.
– You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– Store any leftover smoky onion jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: burger, bacon, cheeseburger, BBQ